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Birthplace of WOODROW WILSON
Augusta County, Virginia
New 60 Page Illustrated Booklet |
Early days in Augusta County, VA -- which today encompasses the communities of Augusta Springs, Churchville, Craigsville, Crimora, Deerfield, Fishersville, Fort Defiance, Greenville, Grottoes (part), Lyndhurst, Middlebrook, Mint Spring, Mount Sidney, Mount Solon, New Hope, Sherando, Spottswood, Staunton, Steeles Tavern, Stuarts Draft, Swoope, Verona, West Augusta and Weyers Cave -- are recalled through a mixture of colorful tales and factual data in this booklet, comprised of excerpts from three rare vintage books: Historical Collections of Virginia by Henry Howe; Twelve Counties of Virginia by John H. Gwathmey; and Virginia, a Guide to the Old Dominion, a WPA Writer's publication. The spiral-bound booklet is printed on 60# 8 1/2 x11" paper, with the print enlarged to fit the paper. The front cover is protected with a vinyl sheet.
The Howe history, printed in 1845, covers the early development of this area, while excerpts from the WPA book, give a nostalgic glimpse from a 1940 vantage point, including interesting historical notes and sightseeing possibilities. Gwathmey's 1937 contribution, sub-titled "Where the Western Migration Began" is a rich resource for the names of prominent families. Many of these early settlers and/or their descendants later migrated to the "western" states of Kentucky, Ohio, etc. Because the booklet is comprised of excerpts from several sources, there may occasionally be duplication of material.
Among the many subjects discussed are: Physical Features of the Area, including Weyer's Cave and Madison's Cave; Daniel Sheffey, Gen. Robert Porterfield, Archibald Stuart and many other Prominent Citizens; the John Lewis Family, first settlers in the area; the County's Participation in various wars, from the Indian Wars to the Civil War, with names of some officers; Railroads and Inventions; Augusta's efforts to avoid the Civil War; the County Courthouse, with a famous painting of John Marshall; a list of classic homes in the county; an extensive tour section on Staunton; an oil hoax, Woodrow Wilson's birthplace and other interesting bits of history and trivia.
Illustrations include: the Virginia Lunatic Asylum; the Institution for the Deaf, Dumb and Blind; the Cyclopean Towers; a View in Weyer's Cave; and the Augusta Courthouse.
The booklet has no index, so I can't check for individual names, but I am happy to answer other questions.
Wouldn't this make a unique gift?
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